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"WATERGARDENING"MAGAZINE

#1This
is the newest pond magazine to be made available to all of us
pond people. In my opinion it is also the best! I was
excited after reading my first copy of the magazine due to it's
inclusion of lots of material that I am asked for - ie how to
pre-determine the required flow (and hence the correct
size/number of pumps) for a waterfall of certain width and
length. This full color magazine includes enough gorgeous
pictures of ponds, fish, plants, etc. to make your mouth water. I
predict that this magazine will rapidly become the pond and fish
keeper's holy bible. Check out the article below, courtesy of Watergardening Magazine and then subscribe here (tell them we sent you).

The
Different Ways to Raise Koi. By Bob &
Pam Spindola Bob and Pam explore the many pond
options for keeping these special jewels. Contemplate the graceful movements of the
multicolored koi as they turn the pond into a living
kaleidoscope. Listen to the sound of bubbling water as a
blue dragonfly skims over the surface. These are all
ingredients of an outdoor koi pond. Throughout history
man has realized the soothing effect these elements have
on the human spirit.The raising of koi, relatives of
the common carp, began in Persia, now known as Iran, many
centuries ago. This cultivation spread throughout Asia
and came to Japan. It wasn't until the middle of the
twentieth century that nishikigoi, which in Japanese
means brocaded silk, were refined in Japan
and accepted worldwide as a hobby. The name is now
synonymous for fancy hybrid carp, also known as
living jewels.Koi are related to the clear-water
carp fish. They are very strong, eat all day long, and
can grow very large. In their natural setting they get
all their nutrients from the pond. The lake, because of
its large surface area, provides sufficient oxygen
gathered from the atmosphere. The filtration is handled
by nature in many different ways. When we domesticate koi
and want to put them in small pondlike settings, we have
to miniaturize nature. We have to provide the same
elements that nature would provide, such as filtration,
aeration, and food. The basic needs of a koi are as
follows: They must have water. The shape of their pond
should be elongated, rectangular or kidney shaped with
rounded corners. This contour provides a better
environment for the fish to exercise. In a small round or
square pond, the fish tend to sit in the middle and not
move. We liken this to people swimming in a
pool but sitting, barely moving, in a small square or
round spa.Koi also need depth of water. They
exercise and build girth by swimming up and down the
depth of the pond. We recommend a depth of three to six
feet. This depth also keeps the temperature of the pond
more constant which is better for the koi. Lastly, the
depth helps to keep predators away from the fish.
Remember, raccoons generally will not bother a pond in
which they cannot stand.The pond water must be filtered to
remove fish waste and debris which falls into the water
as well as to keep the water clear for viewing the fish.
If the detritus is not removed, toxins are generated
which harm the health of the fish. A bottom drain should
be installed to remove the heavy waste and gases from the
bottom of the pond and carry them to the filter system.
In addition, the bottom of the pond should not be flat
but gently sloped to the drain.In order to add aeration to the
water, most ponds have a waterfall. The falling water
gathers oxygen and injects it into the pond. Also, we
highly recommend venturi jets which introduce more oxygen
to the water, as well as add circulation and turbulence.
The movement of the water encourages the fish to
exercise. In addition, this added water circulation helps
keep the pond clean by pushing the debris toward the
drain.The last component of a koi pond is
shade, either natural or man-made. This shade keeps the
direct sunlight off the pond in order to inhibit algae
bloom. It also protects the pond from radical temperature
changes which are unhealthy for the koi. Lastly, it keeps
the harsh rays of the sun from fading the brightness of
the koi's colors.In every culture, there are
artifacts or receptacles that were used to hold water,
plants, and fish. In our modern day, the garden pond has
many interpretations. Ponds can be constructed in
concrete, fiberglass, molded plastic, or with various
types of liners. We are going to take a look at the many
different ways you can create a relaxing waterscape
appropriate for koi, keeping in mind their basic
requirements.Although there are some water
gardeners who are concerned only with the plants and do
not want hungry and mischievous fish destroying valuable
and beautiful water lilies, there are others who want a
natural garden habitat that combines both fish and
plants. Koi and plants can co-exist with careful
planning, a topic which will be discussed in a future
article. There are other hobbyists who want the koi to be
the stars and do not include any plants in the pond. The
following covers many interpretations of the garden koi
pond. It is our hope that you will find these examples
interesting, aesthetically beautiful, and helpful in
designing or remodeling your own pond.

The
AquariumKoi can be raised in an aquarium
and make a very beautiful addition to the home
environment. Much to our surprise, while walking down a
boulevard in Paris, we passed a fish store with some
aquariums stocked with guess what?....koi! We were told
that many of the living quarters in the city are very
small. This is one way of taking care of koi in a city
setting with small or no garden area. Although there are
benefits to raising koi in an aquarium, the growth of the
fish is inhibited by the relatively small environment.Koi are very active and need a
large area in which to exercise. Even the largest of
standard aquariums does not provide such space. Since koi
tend to jump in aquariums, the tanks should be covered.
Also, an efficient aeration system and good filtration is
essential. It is challenging to keep the tank clean and
to properly filter the water because of the heavy waste
products of the koi.Aesthetically, the koi should be
viewed from the top. In the aquarium environment the koi
are viewed from the side and the patterns are not fully
appreciated. All in all, this is an inexpensive and basic
way to raise koi, but it is definitely not the ideal way!

Small Outdoor ReceptaclesThese beautiful creatures can be
reared in various types of outdoor receptacles. The tub
is an example of the small type of outdoor container
which can be used anywhere in the garden or patio but is
not the best for raising koi. We recently heard from a
person who raises koi in a similar tub without aeration
or filtration. He claims he has no problems with this
set-up. However, his definition of success is arguable as
the koi die periodically, and he explains that all he
does is merely buy new fish! This type of shallow pond is not
acceptable nor recommended in raising koi.As you recall, the depth of a
container should be a minimum of 3 feet. A shallow tub
will not provide enough room for exercise. Also, the fish
are susceptible to predators as well as to drastic and
sudden temperature changes due to climatic conditions. We
do not recommend these little tubs, but the koi can
survive if you provide aeration and filtration. If no
filter is added, many water changes should be made. The
use of chlorinated water further complicates the
procedure. Also, remember this is a small body of water;
you should keep only a few small fish in these small
tanks.The advantages of these receptacles
are the small amount of space required for them and their
low cost. Please note that there are larger tubs
available which are more suitable for raising koi.

Larger ReceptaclesInterlocked building logs formed to
frame a liner suitable for raising koi because they can
be made to a size adequate for raising active koi.
Filters and waterfalls can easily be installed. Because
the bottom is flat, we recommend a Tetra vac drain which
sits on the bottom of the pond and handles the removal of
the waste products from the tank and transports them to a
filter. These ponds are easily placed in any site from a
small patio to a corner in the garden. If need be, they
are easily dismantled for moving to a new location.Liner material is ideal for koi
ponds as it is affordable and very easy to install. In
addition to this type of container, however, koi can be
raised in doughboy pools, in large troughs, or in
fabricated tanks. Filtration, aeration, and even plants
are easily added to the larger receptacle. Again, you
should keep only a few small fish in these types of
ponds.

Larger Liner Ponds Ponds can be constructed with
flexible liners in almost any size, from 500 gallons or
smaller to over 10,000 gallons. These ponds can have all
the necessary components of a well run pond such as
waterfalls, filters, drains, skimmers, overflows, and
proper depths.The pond shown in Photo 4 was built
by koi hobbyists in the mid-Atlantic area. It holds over
12,000 gallons and has all the components of a well
designed koi pond: a waterfall, bottom drains, venturi
jets, and even plants. Notice the double waterfall
feeding the pond which has a depth of over five feet. The
rocks and design of the pond complement the existing
garden. Even in a koi pond, water plants can be added. In
this particular pond there are plants encased in PVC
rectangle frames lined with mesh to discourage the fish
from eating the tender roots. We were recently told that
even this precaution did not stop the fish from jumping
into the plants. The owners are convinced that the plants
need their own stage in a separate pond. The beautiful
koi will grow large and healthy in this environment.There are advantages to
constructing a liner tye pond like this one. Flexible
membranes are inexpensive compared to other materials
such as fiberglass or concrete. This material is easily
installed and easily repaired with tape or patches and
special glue. If a larger size pond is desired, more than
one liner can be joined or welded to another successfully
or custom sizes may be ordered. In geographic regions
prone to extremely cold weather or earthquakes, the liner
resists cracking and ruptures.

Formal Above Ground Water Garden PondThis is a typical formal, English
style concrete water garden which has been constructed
above ground. This pond is in full sun to benefit the
plants. The owner also raises several koi in the same
environment  a real challenge because plants and
koi have different needs. Plants like sun, still water,
and need very little depth of water. The bottom is
usually flat to provide stability for the standing pots.
On the other hand, koi thrive in a shaded environment
with moving water and in water depths of 3 or more feet.
The bottom of a koi pond, of course, should be sloped to
a drain to move the waste to a filter.Likewise, shade is very important
to preserve the fishs vivid colors as well as to
inhibit filament algae growth in the water. The full-sun
pond may experience drastic water temperature changes
which are unhealthy for the koi. Although the plants in
the pond afford shade, as koi hobbyists, we want to see
our beautiful fish. We do not want them hiding among the
plants!

Koi and Plants TogetherEven though all these problems
exist, koi and plants can live together but only with
careful planning of a sound design that benefits both
entities. The fiberglass lined pond is an ingenious
design of koi and plants together. The owner, a retired
architect, has created a koi pond in the center which is
surrounded by a water garden. The koi pond has all the
elements essential for healthy koi including a shade
cover. The water garden which is separated from the main
pond by a cement wall is bathed in dappled sun. The water
in this area is still and shallow to accommodate the
plants. The koi pondwater spills over into the water
garden moat. The good aspects of this is that they share
the same nutrients; the fish help the plants and the
plants help the koi. The drawback is some types of water
treatments for koi, such as adding salt, have to be
avoided because of the detriment to the plants. We think
that this design is a unique way to have the best of both
worlds.

The
Tropical Concrete PondThis concrete pond is a wonderful
example of a tropical water garden. It is a pond with
good depth, natural shade, few plants and happy koi. In
addition to the natural shade from the tropical foliage,
there is a partial overhang to provide even more shade
for the koi. However, a sunny area for the plants is
maintained. According to the owner, there is no problem
having the koi and the plants co-existing in the same
environment.

Small Koi PondThis pond, one of our favorites,
holds approximately 500-600 gallons with most of the
elements necessary to keep koi and also has personality.
The Japanese influence can be seen in the use of the
small black pebbles on the edge, wooden posts, and in the
Oriental landscaping. Notice the unique filtration system
utilizing whiskey barrels as containers for the filter
medium. Because it was difficult to resist buying young
koi, the hobbyists highly overstocked this little pond
and put a great demand on the filter system.
Unfortunately, this small and shallow pond is also
vulnerable to predators. Even though it is a small koi
pond, it is very unique and has great charm.

A Professionally Built Koi PondThis concrete koi pond is an
example of the ultimate professionally built Japanese
style koi pond. It is accented with landscaping that
would enhance any home. Notice the magnificent waterfall
which is designed to allow the water to cascade down a
series of steps and provide magnificent aeration and
turbulence. The shape is ideal  long and narrow
which encourages the fish to exercise. The fish in this
pond are of fine quality and have won many awards in koi
shows. The touches of Japanese landscape such as black
rocks, cement posts, traditional-style cement bridge, and
bonsai tree all add to the wonderfully tranquil setting.
This pond provides a very healthy environment to raise
koi and at the same time provides the aesthetics of a
beautiful Japanese garden.

Multi-Tiered PondThis large concrete pond is a
tropical, lushly landscaped, multi-tiered pond in
Houston, Texas. The different levels allow the owners to
separate fish in different sections of the pond. Because
of the tri-levels, separate drains were added to each
section, all of which lead to the pre-fabricated upflow
gravel filter system which keeps the water clear. The
huge trees and tropical foliage are beautiful and add
natural shade but, also, they add to the maintenance of
the pond because of the amount of debris that falls into
the water. This pond is home to some outstanding show
quality koi and provides a beautiful tropical setting to
the home.

Formal Above Ground Koi PondThis easy maintenance garden is
crisp and clean and puts the focus on the brick-trimmed
concrete koi pond. The waterfall is dramatic and simple
with a single impressive sheet dropping from a higher
level trough. Because of the raised ledge, a natural
seating area is formed. This also affords the viewer a
closer vantage point from which to really appreciate the
koi. However, it is important to note that these raised
ponds tend to have slight temperature fluctuations. We
especially like the elongated kidney shape of the pond
because this form encourages the fish to swim.

Large Koi PondThis concrete pond resembles a
small lake and is a real eye-opener. Located on a large
property in Beverly Hills, California, it holds
approximately 100,000 gallons of water, large enough for
a row boat. Although the size is impressive and the
landscaping is impeccable, this pond is difficult to
maintain. The depth is only 3 feet and less in some
areas, much too shallow for the size of the koi it
contains, many over 24 inches in length. The pond is also
in full sun with no shade except the little bit provided
by the trees. Filament algae is sometimes a problem.
Additionally, the flat bottom makes it difficult for fish
wastes and vegetation which have fallen in the pond to
reach the bottom drains to the filter. For such a large
body of water, the water is usually clear except for an
occasional algae bloom. The filtration system consists of
an in-pond gravel Japanese style Japanese filter, as well
as an out-of-pond filter filled with zeolite. Even though
this large pond has some drawbacks, the koi grow large
and beautiful.

Indoor-Outdoor
PondSome people enjoy the koi so much
they want the fish to be a part of the family! An unusual
pond allows the fish to swim to an inside viewing area.
The opening to the house is sealed with a clear
plexiglass that is cut just above the water line. The
pond is very contemporary and dramatic. A drawback to
having the pond in the house is the moisture problem it
creates. Also, there is a small air gap which allows the
outdoor temperature to creep into the house. On chilly
nights, this is not good. In spite of the drawbacks of
this pond, the uniqueness of being able to view and feed
the fish from inside the house is something many koi
hobbyists envy. There are many other examples of unique
koi ponds that allow the fish to be viewed from within
the house. We recall a pond with a gazebo complete with a
trap door on the floor next to the patio table. You can
feed the fish during your dinner. Another indoor-outdoor
pond runs under the living room floor which is partially
made of plexiglass! Koi hobbyists can go to the extreme
to view their fish!Public Koi PondsMany public koi ponds delight young
and old. This koi pond is in the Ala Moana shopping
center in Oahu, Hawaii. Notice the low level of water.
This distance between the water and the spectators
discourages people, especially children, from touching
the koi. This pond is a large rectangular pond with walls
that provide seating for the viewers. These types of
ponds, also, face the problem of people throwing coins in
the water for good luck. Notice the sign near the pond
which says Pennies make us sick. All in all,
these public ponds enhance the beauty of the area and
provide happy moments to the patrons.

Large Public PondsThese ponds are usually in cultural
areas such as museums, zoos, libraries, and parks. One we
especially like is featured at the entrance of the
Arboretum in Washington, D.C. The outstanding feature is
the beautiful plants. The ingenious aeration for the fish
are little spouts of water scattered throughout the very
large body of water. This pond is in full sun and was
very green when we photographed it. We are not sure if
they even had a filter. The fish were visible only if
they came to the surface to eat.

Another Public PondThis pond is on a property in Bel
Air, California, near the UCLA campus and is maintained
by the school. The effective use of rocks, pebbles,
waterfalls, plants and fish create a tranquil setting.
The plants also contribute to the traditional mood of
this pond. Although the pond is too shallow and is in
full sun, it is relatively clear due to the excellent
filtration system. Feeding this pond is a gigantic,
natural looking rock waterfall several yards away. Notice
the fish clustering near the edge in hope that the guests
will feed them.

Mud PondThe mud pond is the original type
of pond used centuries ago in Persia, China, and other
countries in the Orient. It is the healthiest environment
for the fish because they obtain nutrients from the mud
and the plant life. This is the type of pond used for koi
breeding and for growing jumbo koi. Generally enormous,
sometimes a full acre in size, these ponds are often
green all year round. They are so large that the water
level is lowered and large seine nets are used to harvest
the koi. It is interesting to note that because of the
large surface area of these ponds, sometimes no
additional aeration is used.We have covered some varied and
interesting ponds. When designing your pond or water
garden for koi, consider all the requirements needed for
healthy koi as well as the aesthetic elements for the
surrounding area. Koi need a clean and stable
environment. Provide enough space to accommodate the
collection as they grow or to allow adding koi to the
collection. Include adequate water depth to allow for
exercise and protection from predators and fluctuating
temperatures. Good water quality is essential with
filtration and drainage, mechanical and biological.
Moving water with the aid of waterfalls and jets
encourages the fish to exercise and helps keep the pond
clean. Some shade is advisable to help maintain the
brilliant colors of the fish. If these guidelines are
followed, your pond will give you magical moments and
unlimited enjoyment.

Bob and Pam Spindola are Water
Gardening's Koi Keeping Editors. They own Varsity Pond
Supplies in Santa Ana, California, and can be reached at
714-544-2326 or by fax at 714-544-5415.

Best Pond Products, New & Old: We
submit those products that we thought were worthy of space in our
magazine. In some cases we link them to other home pages or
sources. If you know of a wonder product that should be here, let
us know.

Web Sites to Check Out: This
won't include them all and until you tell us of them, it may not
even include the best. Check out our list and compare it with
your's.In most cases we include a link to the site.

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